The title of this picture is the name of a double act which Spencer Gore saw at the Alhambra Theatre of Varieties in Leicester Square. The couple are playing lyre guitars, instruments common in the early nineteenth century, but by this date an eccentric choice.
Gore was fascinated by the magic of the music hall, and frequently chose unexpected routines as subjects. The Alhambra, especially, was known for its spectacular ballets and acrobatic turns. Gore went to the theatre several times each week, and made sketches from his seat in the audience.
Gallery label, February 2004
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